Utilizing appreciative inquiry in educational development
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21600747 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Liisa Nuutinen (0009-0004-5664-5737, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, corresponding author), Hannu L T Heikkinen (0000-0003-2547-9372, University of Jyväskylä), Paivi Tynjälä (0000-0002-2158-8988, University of Jyväskylä) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 374-400 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-27 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Educational Action Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0965-0792 • E-ISSN: 1747-5074 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09650792.2025.2577993 |
| OpenAlex | W4415881357 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 68 |
This article delves into appreciative inquiry (AI) and its practical applications, particularly in educational development. The abbreviation AI is used further. The article begins by exploring the link between AI and action research, continuing with an examination of how AI is associated with positive psychology, especially regarding organizational strengths. The article also considers how AI has been applied in educational contexts over time. Furthermore, it discusses the essential elements of AI, including its background orientation, supporting theories, and practical application through the 5-D cycle, while maintaining a critical perspective. Our research scopes the kinds of practices developed through applying AI in the educational field and presents reported results from its implementation. The research methodology is a scoping review focusing on empirical reports regarding AI and its applications. The findings reveal that AI is a promising approach to promoting the professional development of teachers and enhancing teaching. Additionally, it can foster collaboration between students and teachers, thus improving teaching and learning and facilitating change in educational settings. These results can benefit academic personnel considering the adoption of AI or some of its components
Action research · Appreciative Inquiry · Educational research · Professional development · Qualitative research · Adult and Continuing Education Topics · Appreciative Inquiry and Organizational Change · Critical and Liberation Pedagogy
Positive Psychology
The broaden–and–build theory of positive emotions
The PRISMA 2020 statement
Thematic analysis.
Positive psychology
A changing world, again. How Appreciative Inquiry can guide our growth
Appreciative inquiry as a developmental research approach for higher education pedagogy
The promise of Appreciative Inquiry as a tool to developing home–school relationships for secondary Pacific students
Peer reviews of teaching as appreciative inquiry
Evaluating Appreciative Inquiry as an Organizational Transformation Tool
Kenneth J. Gergen and Social Constructionism
Appreciative inquiry's potential in program evaluation and research
The social, emotional and professional impact of using appreciative inquiry for strategic planning
Researching educational praxis
Appreciative inquiry as a mode of action research for community psychology
Action research
Critical evaluation of appreciative inquiry
Scoping studies
Soar as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Collaboration Among Professionals Working in Teams
The promise of appreciative inquiry as an interview tool for field research
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |